The group of Digidestined wait patiently, listening as Luke finishes discussing the latest mission that they are to leave on soon. Their numbers seem to be diminishing weekly, between injuries and releases. So when Luke concludes speaking and looks at them expectantly, as if wondering why they haven't left yet, it's of course Dolph that speaks up first. "So now that there's only eight of us... what's going to happen? With Veemon, and whatever else?"
Luke stares at him long and hard. "Veemon will remain with Ricardo Rodriguez on earth. It is rare but at times trouble in the Digiworld bleeds over, and we need a defense there as well. He may not be traveling with you all anymore, and so cannot help with the actual missions because he can't return to this world, but he can help where he's at if needed."
"I see." It makes sense, the longer he thinks about it, and he's glad. He can't imagine being separated from Impmon, even though they're still getting to know each other, and the thought of Veemon suddenly being separated from Ricardo, after everything he'd been through, only recently regaining his larger form, had left him uncomfortable and a bit sad. He idly reaches down and scratches Impmon's head, ignoring the soft murmurs from the others as they prepare to leave to the Data zone. It seems like they've only been walking for a few minutes when they hear it- explosions and screams, all of their eyes locking on a nearby plume of smoke coming up from a cluster of homes.
The women exchange uncomfortable glances but they all traipse that way, determined to help whatever innocent Digimon may be lost in the flames and debris, holding their breath when they realize just how thick the smoke really is. There are only two homes that are visibly crumbling in on themselves following the attacks, so the competitors split up, Dolph hesitating outside of the house that was burning the worst as he looks up, trying to figure out a strange whirring sound that's been driving him nuts since they'd arrived. He's only just caught a flash of brown when it happens, the noise growing louder when- "EVERYONE MOVE!" he yells, but it's too late, he drops down to the ground and covers Impmon as another explosion rocks through them, another house catching flame and this time, when he looks up, he realizes what the brown thing he'd seen was- a strange, blimp shape inching through the sky, robotic arms stretching out as its fingers flick shut randomly. Various missile launchers and shooters cover its body and Dolph closes his eyes, expecting another blast, when Impmon wiggles free from him and stares up at the Digimon, a cold, examining look about him.
"Blimpmon," he says coolly, walking past Dolph. "I should've known." When the creature turns its gaze towards him, Ziggler surprised and disconcerted to find that it does indeed have beedy little eyes locked on his partner, Impmon lazily lights flame on the end of his claw and smirks up at Blimpmon. "I bet you'd put on quite the light show if I hit you in just the right place, hm? More than these houses combined?"
Blimpmon responds by releasing another strike, Impmon's eyes widening as his big mouth gets him in trouble all over again. "Impmon!" Dolph yells, worry for his partner mingling with the worry he has for the others who have yet to leave the houses behind him. The missile is barely inches away, Impmon able to feel it rustling against his fur, when Dolph's Digivice lights up and he feels the comforting power of Digivolution sweep through him, overwhelming everything else, detonating the missile as its power is overwhelmed by the bright light from the Digivice.
"Impmon Digivolve to..." His small purple body grows, takes on a more humanoid shape, his entire body now covered in clothes- from a pointy hat with a wide brim to a purple cloak that only leaves his eyes and nose uncovered, red and yellow fabric spanning the rest of his body with yawning opened zippers against his legs. Brown boots and gloves conclude the ensemble, his fingers wrapped tightly around a staff topped by what looks like a sun emblem. "Wizardmon!"
Dolph blinks, finding it easier to breathe as his partner's bright green eyes flash, energy building within the weapon he's clutching. "Wizardmon," he repeats, in awe of his Digimon's clearly powerful presence. "Wow."
"Zepplin Explosion!" Blimpmon tries again, actually verbalizing his attack for once, perhaps showing that he too is unnerved by the abrupt Digivolution, but Wizardmon beats him to the punch.
"Thunder Cloud!" It's powerful, and it's quick, blue lightning forming in his fist before he throws it at the opposing Digimon, the two attacks colliding in a ridiculous display that has all of them shrouding their eyes- a hesitation of sound before the loud explosion finally happens, a tidal wave of energy going in all directions, overwhelming Blimpmon, Wizardmon, Dolph, everything in the surrounding area. When Dolph looks up, Blimpmon is gone, nothing more than data streaming through the sky, and he chokes, overly worried for his Digimon partner now. But- "Dolph..." It's Wizardmon, and he's weak, but there, whole.
Dolph scrambles over to him and helps him sit up, examining the wreckage. The second explosion had caused more flames to flare up from the already rattled houses and he worries anew for the others. "Wizardmon, we gotta help the others, can you-" But the Digimon shakes his head, lifting his eyes to stare at the destruction. He lifts his hand wearily and aims it towards the buildings, Dolph holding his breath as a soft wind begins to gust, somehow absorbing the flames and drawing them away from the homes, leaving them smoldering but not truly on fire anymore. As soon as things seem calm, safe again, Wizardmon passes out in Dolph's arms, reverting to Impmon. Dolph gapes at him before settling him down on the ground and running to help the others. To his relief, some of them are already staggering out, dragging their fellows out, and he hooks Zack's arm over his shoulder, leading him out of the nearest building. "Is anyone else trapped in there?"
Thankfully Zack shakes his head. "I don't think so, bro." Patamon rests, limp, against his head as Dolph settles them down on the ground. "You defeated him," he mumbles, watching as Dolph glances around, trying for a headcount. He nods absently, only managing to pay attention to Zack when he finds all eight of them are safe outside, though some look rough, in need of a good shower and nap. "Congrats on the Digivolution, bro."
Dolph can't help but smile as he looks down at Zack. "Thanks, kid." Even allows a fist bump from him before it's time to scoop Impmon up and prepare to return to the Vaccine zone and then home.
